Here we are at Week Four of the Zakka 2.0 Sew Along. This week my project is an ode to Denyse Schmidt, the fabric designer. The majority of the prints in this jazzy little apron are by Denyse Schmidt, I used three of her fabric lines, and I think they blend so well. The little bits of "kitchen scenes and chickens" featured in the pocket quilt blocks are various designers, but everything else is by her. The quilt blocks feature fabric from the Quilter's Quarters sold at JoAnn Fabrics, this fabric was also used as the binding on top of the pocket. The body of the apron is a home dec/canvas print from the Country Fair line, I've been hoarding this fabric for quite a while. The straps are from her Flea Market Fancy Legacy line. See, I told you it was an ode to her!

I actually made the quilt blocks last week, and instead of using the templates that were in the book, I just measured and used my clear quilter's ruler. This method worked out great, especially for fussy cutting since I could see through the ruler. I sewed them all together and then they just sat there staring at me for the majority of the week. I couldn't decide whether I wanted to make the apron or something else. Well obviously the apron won out, and I am so glad that I went that route in the end.

I used a cheapo muslin for the back of the blocks/pocket lining, and did a simple straight line quilting on the pocket. I did change the way the author suggested finishing up the top binding on the pocket. I sewed it on the way she suggested, but then she suggested hand stitching it down on the backside (inside of the pocket.) Well I was way to lazy for that and just stitched in the ditch right at the top of the pocket/binding, thus sealing it on the backside. If you look closely at the block above you can see my stitching right on the line, or below it. That was a huge time and sanity saver.

The book suggested using a twill fabric for the body of the apron, but I wanted to use stash and after a bit of digging, unearthed this home dec fabric and decided to go for it. Wild and crazy? Yes, a bit, but I love it, and I feel that the pocket stands out on the dark background fabric.

I am a petite gal, so I chopped off 1" on the bottom of the apron, just to shorten it a bit, which was perfect, thus instead of placing the pocket 2.75" from the bottom edge, I placed it 2" from the bottom edge. I also created two pockets instead of one, simply by stitching in between two of the blocks. So the first quilt block is one pocket, and the last two combined are the second pocket. This way pencils and such won't get lost in a huge open pocket. You can also see in the photo below the reinforcement stitching that I did on the spot where the ties meet the apron body. This way I know they won't be coming off. The book called for you to cut the ties at 34" long, but since I cut them with the width of the fabric, which was around 42", I just left them at that length. A little extra length never hurt anybody, right? I don't think so.

I am pleased as punch with this little apron and look forward to using it in the kitchen and if I ever tackle any other craft fairs, I can use it there too!